Abstract: A filter plate having a flow channel area on its main top surface, and liquid distribution and collection basins, each of polygonal shape, on its main bottom surface. Liquid inlet and discharge trough openings extend through the plate adjacent the respective distribution and collection basins, to communicate the basins on the main bottom surface of the plate with the flow channel area on the main top surface thereof. Such plates may be associated in opposedly facing pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow patterns which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described is a unitary filter element support which may be usefully employed in the filter.

Abstract: A filter plate which is longitudinally partitioned between its inlet and outlet ends, and features liquid feed and collection troughs at the respective ends. Such plates may be associated in opposed, relatively inverted pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow rates which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described is a unitary filter element which may be usefully employed in the filter. The filter of the invention may be highly efficiently employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A deaeration apparatus for removing entrained gases from liquids, comprising a degas vessel, which is baffled to enhance degasification. As gas removed from the liquid collects in an upper part of the degas vessel, the pressure in the vessel increases, lowering the liquid level therein. A sensing mechanism provides a liquid level signal to a controller which opens a valve at a vent port at the upper portion of the degas vessel when a predetermined liquid level is reached, whereby gas is vented from the vessel. The gas venting causes pressure in the degas vessel to decrease, thereby allowing the liquid level to again rise to a selected liquid level at which the level sensing mechanism signal causes the controller to close the vent valve.

Abstract: A filter plate which is longitudinally partitioned between its inlet and outlet ends, and features liquid feed and collection troughs at the respective ends which are of progressively decreasing depth from the medial part of the trough to the extremities thereof. Such plates may be associated in opposed, relatively inverted pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow rates which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described in a unitary filter element which may be usefully employed in the filter.The filter of the invention may be highly efficiently employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A mass transfer apparatus and method is based upon use of a mass transfer chamber, such as a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor, with means to change the directional flow therethrough for enhancement of the mass transfer operation. The invention has particular utility in cell growth systems, where the periodic reversal of flow direction of a nutrient stream passed through the bioreactor equalizes dispersion of cell growth through the bioreactor and enhances the transport of metabolic waste from the cells being grown.

Abstract: A filter plate which is longitudinally partitioned between its inlet and outlet ends, and features liquid feed and collection troughs at the respective ends. Such plates may be associated in opposed, relatively inverted pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow rates which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described is a unitary filter element which may be usefully employed in the filter. The filter of the invention may be highly efficiently employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A filter plate which is longitudinally partitioned between its inlet and outlet ends, and features liquid feed and collection troughs at the respective ends which are of progressively decreasing depth from the medial part of the trough to the extremities thereof. Such plates may be associated in opposed, relatively inverted pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow rates which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described in a unitary filter element which may be usefully employed in the filter.The filter of the invention may be highly efficiently employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.